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douglas_l · Posted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 5:15 am Post subject: Camp & Co. History

I just purchased a piano for my wife. The appraiser said it was around 100 years old. The manufacturer markings on the piano are "Camp & Co, Chicago" and it has a serial number of 35817.

I can not find any real information on Camp & Co, other than Newton Camp started his company in 1899 and then later changed the name to Newton (but does not specify which year). The other thing is that according to the info on the net, Camp & Co was in New York, not Chicago.

This piano is quite old judging from the all appearances, and has a beautiful tone (even though it does need tuning). Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Barrie Heaton · Posted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 10:46 pm Post subject:

The company was around in 1880 serial numbers 35817 would date it c1904 In 1917 the serial numbers jumped back to four digits starting at 3000 this would indicate a change in ownership Now according to Pierce the Piano company Estey Pianos had some involvement now they had 2 sets of numbers the second set starting at 1928 with four digits.

Now Kohler & Campbell made pianos with lots of different names one being Newton their factory was in New York now owned by Samick USA

Barrie,
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Barrie Heaton
Web Master UK Piano Page

xendi · New Member Joined: 01 Mar 2004 Posts: 1

I have piano that has been in my family for many years. Looking on the inside, I find that it is by Camp & Co. New York s/n 8487 and the earliest tuning dates i find written on the inside are 6/25/09 written by Joseph C Smith and various other dates. Can anyone tell me history or information about this piano or the company that made it?

Barrie Heaton · Posted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 6:09 pm Post subject:

tallyhas · Member Joined: 29 May 2005 Posts: 2 Location: USA

I too have a Camp & Company, Chicago piano. The serial number is 22035. Thanks for your help, as info has been difficult to find.

Barrie Heaton · Posted: Sun May 29, 2005 6:26 pm Post subject:

tallyhas · Member Joined: 29 May 2005 Posts: 2 Location: USA

ernie · New Member Joined: 03 Jul 2005 Posts: 1

this piano was made by the camp & company new york
with two sets of numbers. too the right of the piano
is 15044 and left side 2188. there are no other visa-
ble markings.

I purchased this piano at a trift store it looks
really old it is black in color needs some repairs.
the cabinet has carved designs with a door at the
top of the piano. the middle part has a door also and
the bottom base has a door where the foot pedals are
this piano is about 58 inches tall and 55 inches wide.

please respond too my new edit as i made some mistakes
on the s/n numbers.

thanks from ernie

Barrie Heaton · Posted: Sun Jul 03, 2005 2:18 pm Post subject:

if the piano is marked with "Patented April 25, 1899 No. 623690" then it could be the new set of numbers so number 15044 =1925 or if it is the old set then
c1885 to 1889

The 2188 would place it at c1880 However, they started a new set of numbers in 1917 = 3000 it they set of numbers started at 3000 they your piano would be c1880 but if they did not then it could be 1917 But again that number could be a stock number form the retailer or the 15044 could be the stock number

Barrei,
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Barrie Heaton
Web Master UK Piano Page

mohsea · New Member Joined: 25 Apr 2006 Posts: 1 Location: USA

I have a Camp & Company Piano serial number 14898. THe furniture part is in excellent condition, the piano part not so good. I have some questions;

How old is this?
Is it of any value more than just a piece of furniture?
Can it be retrofitted with good parts?

Thanks for the help
Sean

Barrie Heaton · Posted: Fri Apr 28, 2006 6:47 am Post subject: Re: Camp & Company Piano

aaali · Member Joined: 31 May 2008 Posts: 2

I have a Camp & Company Chicago piano #13268 and I was wondering how old it is, and how much it could be worth. I would appreciate ANY information you know about it!

Barrie Heaton · Posted: Sat May 31, 2008 5:30 pm Post subject: Re: Camp & Company piano

In 1885 the numbers were 10000 and in 1890 it was 16546 so your piano was between those dates according to the published dates

Barrie,
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Barrie Heaton
Web Master UK Piano Page

aaali · Member Joined: 31 May 2008 Posts: 2

Thank you for the dates you provided! Do you know if it's worth anything?

Bill Kibby · Posted: Sat May 31, 2008 7:53 pm Post subject: Camp

To quote my Home page, it's fair to say that although I am fascinated by Victorian pianos, they rarely fetch as much as £90 at local auctions here in the UK, unless they have been professionally restored, indeed many fetch less than £20. Couldn't say about over there.
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I do not buy, sell or value pianos, but I sometimes rescue wood-frame pianos in the UK.

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Email Bill@PianoGen.org

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